CVE-2025-10005: CWE-639 Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key in buildwps PPWP – Password Protect Pages
The PPWP – Password Protect WordPress | #1 Most-Reviewed Password Plugin plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Insecure Direct Object Reference in all versions up to, and including, 1.9.20 via the ppw_free_set_password AJAX action due to missing validation on a user controlled key. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Contributor-level access and above, to update the password on any password protected post and subsequently access the content.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The PPWP – Password Protect Pages plugin for WordPress suffers from an Insecure Direct Object Reference vulnerability (CWE-639) in versions up to 1.9.20. The vulnerability arises because the ppw_free_set_password AJAX action does not properly validate a user-controlled key, allowing authenticated attackers with Contributor-level privileges or above to update passwords on any password-protected post. This bypasses intended authorization controls and grants unauthorized access to protected content.
Potential Impact
An attacker with Contributor-level or higher access can change the password protecting any post, thereby gaining unauthorized access to content that should be restricted. The vulnerability does not impact confidentiality beyond this scope and does not affect integrity or availability of the system. The CVSS score is 4.3 (medium severity), reflecting the limited scope and required privileges.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, restrict Contributor-level access to trusted users only and monitor for suspicious activity related to password changes on protected posts.
CVE-2025-10005: CWE-639 Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key in buildwps PPWP – Password Protect Pages
Description
The PPWP – Password Protect WordPress | #1 Most-Reviewed Password Plugin plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Insecure Direct Object Reference in all versions up to, and including, 1.9.20 via the ppw_free_set_password AJAX action due to missing validation on a user controlled key. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Contributor-level access and above, to update the password on any password protected post and subsequently access the content.
CVSS v3.1
Score 4.3medium
Affected software
buildwps
PPWP – Password Protect Pages
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The PPWP – Password Protect Pages plugin for WordPress suffers from an Insecure Direct Object Reference vulnerability (CWE-639) in versions up to 1.9.20. The vulnerability arises because the ppw_free_set_password AJAX action does not properly validate a user-controlled key, allowing authenticated attackers with Contributor-level privileges or above to update passwords on any password-protected post. This bypasses intended authorization controls and grants unauthorized access to protected content.
Potential Impact
An attacker with Contributor-level or higher access can change the password protecting any post, thereby gaining unauthorized access to content that should be restricted. The vulnerability does not impact confidentiality beyond this scope and does not affect integrity or availability of the system. The CVSS score is 4.3 (medium severity), reflecting the limited scope and required privileges.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, restrict Contributor-level access to trusted users only and monitor for suspicious activity related to password changes on protected posts.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- Wordfence
- Date Reserved
- 2025-09-04T19:04:36.084Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a813f86bf8831d539784a59
Added to database: 08/16/2026, 04:41:42 UTC
Last enriched: 08/23/2026, 13:18:10 UTC
Last updated: 10/01/2026, 05:08:47 UTC
Views: 34
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